Bilateral osteomas arising from the internal auditory canal: case report.

Abstract

Osteomas arising from the internal auditory canal and developing in the cerebellopontine angle have rarely been reported. We present the first case of bilateral osteomas in this region and describe our management strategy. A 30-year-old woman presented with strong vertigo, tinnitus, and hypacusis on the left side. Brain magnetic resonance imaging and computed tomographic scans displayed bilateral cerebellopontine angle osteomas arising from the internal auditory canal. The larger tumor on the left side was found to be compressing the vestibulocochlear nerve. Surgery was performed on the symptomatic side via the retrosigmoid approach, and the tumor was removed completely. The vertigo resolved completely after surgery, and the patient had no further tinnitus attacks. An audiogram showed slightly improved hearing with a mean of 20 dB in the main speech area. Osteomas should be considered in patients with bilateral cerebellopontine angle tumors. Surgical removal might provide resolution of symptoms.